VACCINATIONS
Meningococci are bacteria that can be found all over the world and can cause bacterial meningitis or blood poisoning (sepsis). Children under the age of five and young people are among the groups at special risk for these diseases. Another smaller peak in the occurrence of these diseases is seen in young people between the ages of 15 and 19 years.
Meningococci are spread through coughing or sneezing and through close, direct contact. If someone becomes infected, it can lead to inflammation of the meninges or bacterial blood poisoning. In 8% of cases, both diseases occur at the same time. A complication of blood poisoning caused by meningococci is septic shock, also known as the Waterhouse-Friedrichsen syndrome, which can be deadly for one third of those affected.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends
on-time vaccination for all children aged 12 to 23 months against serogroup C meningococci.
A missing vaccination should be made up for by the 18th birthday.
In addition, vaccinations against other serogroups (ACWY and/or B) are available and are recommended for certain risk groups.
Possible vaccination reactions and side effects include temporary reddening or swelling at the injection site, which may also be painful or hardened. General symptoms such as fever, headache, general feeling of illness, irritability, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting or diarrhea, tiredness, muscle or joint pain may also occur in the first few days after vaccination.
Rarely, other symptoms may occur after vaccination such as temporary facial swelling or hives, up to allergic shock or chills, muscle and joint stiffness. Fever convulsions, dizziness, fainting, or visual disturbances have also been observed very rarely.
If you have any concerns about your child's reaction to the vaccine, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Ressources:
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/meningokokken/
MOST POPULAR
